There were many pilots trained during WWII who did not apply for
civilian pilot licenses who continued to fly as civilians following
their separation from service. My father was one of them. He had flown
single engine seaplanes up through multiengine piston transports, but
never bothered to get an FAA certificate.

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
Only much later, when I began flight training, did I casually do some
checking on him, just to see what his ratings were. Imagine my
surprise when I discovered he wasn't listed as a pilot at all!

Grumman-581 wrote:
He learned from Darwin... One of the best (and most unforgiving)
instructors... Just remember, which came first, pilots or the FAA/CAA?